Rio's New Chippendales(R) Theater, Ultra Lounge and Retail Boutique Slated for December Opening

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Finally, Las Vegas is poised to shift its penchant for male-focused eye-candy and The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino is paving the way. The Rio is about to unveil what it's calling Ultimate Girls' Night Out(R) destination, an entertainment complex designed by women, for women, and scheduled to open Monday, Dec. 27, 2004.

The $7 million, 21,000 square-foot project will feature a 400-seat Chippendales(R) Theater housing the Rio's popular Chippendales show, ultra lounge, retail boutique and ladies' room with an exclusive gossip pit and mini-makeover stations.

"Our goal is to create a place where women feel comfortable," said Marilyn Winn, senior vice president and general manager for the Rio. "Women are curvy and the design of the complex follows suit ... everything is smooth and curved with no hard edges or corners. The ladies' room and gossip pit were designed with lighting that makes everyone look beautiful."

Similarly, the decor is sexy, feminine and chic, from the furniture, fabrics and colors to the bathroom fixtures and floor finishes. In addition, the all-male wait staff has been hand picked and trained to cater to a predominantly female clientele.

"Our staff is undergoing special training where they are being taught the art of chivalry," Winn said. "In fact, these servers will be the most extraordinary, charming staff in the city. They have been schooled to pay special attention to every customer ... more like concierges than servers."

A menu of specialty cocktails has been created for Ultimate Girls' Night Out, and the "cocktail program" features a wide variety of drinks appealing to women. Flavored rums, vodkas, tequilas and, of course, champagne, have been blended with exotic ingredients and fresh fruit juices to create sexy, sophisticated cocktails.

The Chippendales show will also re-open with a new look in the new theater Dec. 27. Under the direction of Emmy nominated choreographer, Brian Thomas (Pink, Usher, Beyonce), the show has been revamped into an even more scintillating performance, complete with new musical selections, scenic design and costuming. The new 75-minute production redefines the concept of "audience participation" and is designed to tease and tantalize the senses as the 12 men push themselves beyond human endurance to please their room full of extremely appreciative ladies.

Ultimate Girls' Night Out(R) is anchored by the 400-seat Chippendales Theater, located on the second floor, within the Masquerade Village, adjacent to the East parking garage. In addition to the theater, there will be a spacious 1,500-square-foot ultra lounge with a walk-up bar offering a stylized, intimate feel. The 40-seat balcony offers private VIP sky lounges, where women may gather in groups and celebrate special occasions. And a 2,100-square-foot retail boutique will feature a variety of items that appeal to women, such as Chippendales(R) merchandise, bachelorette party gear and makeup.

Chippendales performances will be offered nightly at 8 p.m., Thursday through Tuesday (dark Wednesday). From Dec. 27 - Jan. 28, tickets will be $34.95, Sunday through Thursday and $39.95 Friday and Saturday. Beginning Jan. 30, Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 and 10:30 p.m., and tiered pricing will be in effect: $49.95, $44.95, $34.95. All VIP sky lounge access will be $75 a person. On New Year's Eve, there will be one 8 p.m. performance.

For tickets, call (702) 777-7776. For room reservations, call (800) PLAYRIO.

Various subsidiaries of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. own or manage 28 casinos in the United States, primarily under the Harrah's and Horseshoe brand names. Founded 67 years ago, Harrah's Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its valued customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership.

Chippendales(R), one of the world's most recognized brand names, is the premier provider of entertainment for women. The Company produces Broadway- style shows worldwide and licenses it's intellectual property for select consumer products ranging from apparel and accessories to slot machines and video games. The company also operates Chippendales. com, an on-line lifestyle and entertainment destination for women. Chippendales(R) was established in 1978 and has headquarters in New York, with offices in Las Vegas and London.

Source: The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino

CONTACT: Madeleine Weekley, Director PR/Promotions, +1-702-777-7964,
mweekley@lasvegas.harrahs.com, for The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino